Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Creative Writing

I'm reading a book by John Dufresne entitled "The Truth That Tells a Lie." It's a a guide to writing fiction.
Most of what I write now is non-fiction, but I have a hankerin' to write a novel. I've got ideas buzzing in my head like a nest of yellow jackets.
I asked my friend Dale Short what he'd recommend I read and he suggested this book. I also looked on Amazon.com and bought several other used books on creative writing that were recommended by other  writers of note.
The books I've collected so far are:
Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
On Writing by Stephen King
Save the Cat by Blake Snyder
and The Art of Fiction by John Gardner

I have my work cut out for me. In the past, I've listened to more books that I've actually read. That's because I've traditionally spent a great deal of time commuting. But that's not the case now, so I've got to re-cultivate the habit of reading books.
John Dufresne passed on a reading list that was given to him by his mentor and creative writing professor and I scribbled down several books and short stories I want to read.
He says the only way a writer can get better is by reading voraciously. I really want to learn to write well so it's my intention to read, study, contemplate and practice.

On another note, I know I've whined a great deal about all the work that's gone into formatting, editing, and getting my book ready for press, but once I submitted it, I knew within 12 hours that the format was acceptable. I ordered three proof copies of my book last Thursday, and today as I sat on the screened porch working, I heard the UPS truck rattling down the road toward our house.
I ripped open the package and there they were.
I've convinced one more reader to put fresh eyes on the book. I'll do any final edits and I should have my inventory by mid-September. I'm very excited.


5 comments:

  1. Good luck with the novel! I'm happy your book is getting closer to being done too...so much writing..so much reading...so much fun? work?..My son does stand up comedy...he reads constantly about how to do it better...takes classes too..but reads more books than I ever dreamed were written about being funny. We thought he just a smart..., never knew it was so involved!

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  2. I am excited for you as well.
    Let's hope for the best :)

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  3. Enigma? Arent you already a writer? I love your appetite for the written word.

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  4. It's hard work this writerly business! LOL! Take care
    x

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  5. You might like some of P. G. Wodehouse's books for the dry humor. He has a way of using adjectives that make his writing sparkle. And thickening plots that always unravel at the end.

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